I have found a woman who has recently lost her dog to illness….VERY INTERESTED in providing a permanent home for Summer. If you could please email me with a little information I would appreciate it very much. She would like to know how soon the lady I know could meet Summer? And has the dog already been fixed?

http://www.nbc6.net/community/13545357/detail.html

I forgot to mention that Summer is smaller than we originally thought – she looks in the neighborhood of 35-40 pounds, a medium sized girl (perfect size, in my opinion!).

Also, in light of the kind comment above that indicated interest Summer but mentioned an un-neutered retriever, I wanted to make sure all of April’s readers were aware of the amazing health and behavioral benefits of neutering male dogs (in addition to the community benefit of helping to prevent pet overpopulation):

Neutering is recommended for all dogs and is beneficial for a variety of reasons. Dogs that have been neutered show a reduced sexual interest in females after approximately six to 12 months. Episodes of aggression towards other male dogs should also cease. In 60 percent of cases, inter-male aggression is reduced, as is mounting of people. Roaming (i.e. running away from home) is also reduced in about 90 percent of cases. Territorial urine marking in the house, if it occurs, is reduced in half the cases.

The health effects of castration are quite significant. There is a reduced incidence of perianal adenomas (i.e. tumours of the rectal area) and the risk of testicular tumors is completely eliminated. There is also a reduced incidence of perineal hernias.

Source: Veterinary Medical Association

You and Chip have been nothing less than amazing. The kindness you have shown Summer is overwhelming. I know that right now she is in the most capable of hands.

This young pup deserves a warm and loving home. Thank you to everyone for their interest in Summer. Let’s keep spreading the word, I know with everyone’s help we will find her a family.

April’s friend kindly gave her a bath and then drove her up to our home last night. She was great in the car and not afraid at all. We took her on a walk to get familiar and it was clear that she hadn’t been leash trained – I don’t think she had ever been walked in her life! She caught on quickly and as of this morning was walking and heeling well on a leash (rather than veering from side to side). She slept indoors with us last night and appears to be housetrained so far.

The name given to her by her owners was “D-O-G” – not the word “dog” but the actual letters spoken aloud. So strange! We decided to call her Summer since she came into our lives on the first day of summer and she’s so bright and optimistic. She doesn’t respond at all to “D-O-G” or anything that sounds like it so it’s pretty clear that she’s been starved for attention and affection.

My dog, Isabelle, can be a little feisty and territorial around new dogs but Summer didn’t show ANY signs of aggression or even defense in face of Isabelle’s challenges. She seems to be extremely mellow, mild-mannered and submissive, and we were told that she is great around children.

We know Summer is about 2.5 years old, Shepherd/Chow mix, spayed, soft medium-length coat, teeth in good condition, no fleas (we treated her with Advantix last night just in case). I’ll try to get her in to see a vet this weekend to give her a checkup and shots.

As I mentioned in my note above, we can’t keep her for long because we are leaving for vacation in two weeks. I’d love to find Summer a home quickly so she doesn’t have to go through two painful departures in rapid succession. My cell phone number is 561-202-5725 if you’re interested, and my email address is channing@copyshark.com